Buffalo Bills News - March 9, 2002

Gilbride Reports New Perspective [7:08 AM]Hartford Courant reports:
'"Being out of coaching for a year really made me appreciate how much I missed being a part of it all," Gilbride said. "The competitiveness of football - the scheming, the working, the interaction with the players and coaches. That's what made me say I thought I could enjoy doing what the media does, and I did enjoy it. It was a great experience and it gives you a different feel for things."'

My take on Blake: He's not right QB [5:11 AM]D and C reports:
'I'd rather go with AVP as my caretaker, and draft my potential QB of the future next month. Unless Tom Donahoe and Gregg Williams believe Blake can win the big game for them, why waste time and precious salary cap money on him?'

March 8, 2002

Bills re-sign Conaty [8:59 PM]AP reports:
'"We felt last year he showed tremendous toughness and leadership on our team," Bills general manager Tom Donahoe said. "We're happy to have him because we think he's a good young player and we appreciate all that he did last year, playing hurt."'

Conaty Resigns with Buffalo [2:43 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
"It will be a similar situation to that of the quarterback situation. We'll try to improve our team any way that we can. We drafted two very good young offensive linemen last year in Jonas Jennings and Marques Sullivan. Bill Conaty our center will be coming back next season, we've signed him to a new contract. Bill got a chance to play as virtually a rookie last year."

Fletcher wants to energize Bills with his passion [9:09 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"My style of play is passionate," the Bills' new middle linebacker said Thursday. "That's one word I'd use. All-out effort, 110 percent. I feel I can energize a team, not just a defense. I'm going to play fast. I'm going to lead by example and from my style of play. I'm going to be physical."'

Donahoe's defensive swap was impressive [9:09 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'There are no questions about Fletcher's health. He gives the locker room a championship presence. The Bills potentially save $14 million on the cap over the next five seasons.'

Wong gets the answer to dreams [8:01 AM]Houston Chronicle reports:
'The Texans' search for a quarterback remains up in the air as the team awaits a decision from Rob Johnson, who seemed all but signed, sealed and delivered a few days ago. Johnson is the Texans' first choice, but general manager Charley Casserly isn't going to wait on his decision much longer. Chris Chandler, who spent the past five seasons with the Falcons, appears to be the top fallback option, and former Saints quarterback Jeff Blake's name has begun to resurface although Blake has said he's leaning toward Buffalo.'

Bills banking on Fletcher as new leader of defense [5:04 AM]D and C reports:
'"By them bringing me in as their first free agent visit, it showed me they really wanted me," Fletcher said. "Coach Williams looked me in the eye and I saw his passion for having me here. It would have been hard-pressed for any of those other teams to sell me on their organization."'

Fletcher takes Cowart's spot [5:03 AM]Toronto Sun reports:
'"I just thought it was time to move on," said Fletcher, a 26-year-old who won a Super Bowl with the Rams two years ago and played in their 20-17 loss to the New England Patriots last month. "My gut told me that I had done everything I could accomplish in St. Louis."'

March 7, 2002

Bills sign ex-Rams LB Fletcher [11:16 PM]Pro Football Weekly reports:
@ Buchsbaum: The Bills, who needed an impact LB to replace injury-prone Cowart, signed former Rams LB London Fletcher. Fletcher can be a very effective player if the tackles in front of him keep him free. He?s extremely active and runs very well and has good instincts. However, at times he will gamble too much and take himself out of position. He has some hot dog in him and is a very aggressive player who will take some dumb penalties. He also likes to call attention to himself.

Mike Caldwell speaks to media [10:07 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'Where have you been and where are you heading? This is my first visit. I am headed to Chicago this afternoon and scheduled for Pittsburgh on Monday.'

London Fletcher speaks to the Media [10:05 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"This is a true football town and I am thrilled to death about getting involved in the community and just becoming a true Buffalonian."'

Fletcher signs with Bills [10:00 PM]AP reports:
'"I know there's not a lot of difference between winning and losing," he said, noting the Rams were 4-12 in his rookie year, 1998 and went to the Super Bowl the next season. "That year we were fortunate to get Marshall Faulk and a couple of other free agents. I hope we can get some other free agents excited about coming here."'

Bills sign LB Fletcher to replace Cowart [9:59 PM]Sportsticker reports:
'"I was a leader in St. Louis," he said. "I considered myself a leader from the moment I stepped into the locker room. I was captain of the special teams as a rookie. You don't have many guys who come in and be a captain as a rookie. I don't have a problem with being the leader."'

Has motor, will play [9:58 PM]WGRZ-TV reports:
'That's what you have to like about the 5'-10" Fletcher, who wasn't even drafted. He has a MOTOR, and Donahoe LOVES players with MOTORS. They don't need fancy pep talks, they don't take plays off. That's London Fletcher, who led the Rams in tackles three years running. He also doesn't come off the field on passing downs, and in fact, had six interceptions over the past two seasons.'

Jets give Cowart six-year contract [1:45 PM]Asbury Park Press/Home News Tribune reports:
'Now if linebacker Sam Cowart can return from a lost year as the human wrecking ball he was for Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell during two standout seasons in Buffalo, the Jets landed the steal of this free-agent class yesterday.'

Jets get defensive prize [9:16 AM]Bergen Record reports:
'Combined with a high left ankle sprain suffered at the end of his 2000 Pro Bowl season, Cowart has played just one half of football in the past 20 games. But he said that has taken away none of his play-making ability. "Most definitely, the impact is still there," he said. "Right now I'm 95 to 97 percent. The Jets told me this is no rush issue, we don't play until September, we'll bring you along slow."'

London signed to bridge huge gap [9:07 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'He is a fireplug-shaped tackling machine who starred on the Rams' defense the last three seasons. His nickname is "dot.com" because, as he likes to say, he's always on line to make the tackle.'

QB Blake piques Buffalo's interest [8:19 AM]New Orleans Times Picayune reports:
'"I'm not going to rush into anything," Blake said. "But with the (NFL) combine over, things should heat up by next week. If I had to sign today, it would be with Buffalo, but I'm trying to get in the best situation for me."'

Jets sign ex-Bill 'Sam C' [5:20 AM]New York Post reports:
'"The addition of 'Sam C' makes our linebacker corps one of the best in the league. I can't wait to get on the field now. It'll be something to see."'

Jets Taking Big Gamble [5:19 AM]New York Daily News reports:
'Worst-case scenario: If Cowarts reinjures his Achilles early in the season, the Jets can cut him next offseason without major cap implications. Basically, it's a $3 million gamble.'